Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), urged the Congress to approve the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which is intended to prohibit employers from discriminating applicants for employment based on gender or sexual orientation.

In his written opinion published by The Wall Street Journal, Cook emphasized that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is “committed to creating a safe and welcoming workplace for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, nationality or sexual orientation.”

He pointed out that the implementation of a nondiscrimination policy is a matter of basic human dignity, and great for creativity that drives business. According to him, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) discovered that people have the comfort and confidence to perform the best work in their lives if they feel valued based on their individuality.

Apple provides further legal protections

According to Cook, the anti-discrimination policy of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) provides further legal protections for its employees than the existing federal law because the company prohibits discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees.

He noted that the United States Senate aims to revise the existing laws on employments to provide protection against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. He encouraged the lawmakers in the upper house to vote in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, and challenged the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

“Protections that promote equality and diversity should not be conditional on someone’s sexual orientation. For too long, too many people have had to hide that part of their identity in the workplace… So long as the law remains silent on the workplace rights of gay and lesbian Americans, we as a nation are effectively consenting to discrimination against them. Congress should seize the opportunity to strike a blow against such intolerance by approving the Employment Nondiscrimination Act,” wrote Cook.

On the other hand, President Barack Obama also wrote his opinion regarding the issue on Huffington Post. He pointed out that the Congress needs to pass the Nondiscrimination Bill because the “United States is united by a fundamental principle that we’re all created equal and every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law.” The President added, “We believe that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve the chance to follow your dreams and pursue your happiness. That’s America’s promise.”